Blogs

AMPP Recognized as an Information Resource on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook Website

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Association of Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, is listed as a resource on the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) website by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This recognition underscores AMPP’s pivotal role in providing essential information and setting standards in the painting and coating sector. The OOH, a trusted resource by the U.S. Department of Labor, offers comprehensive information on hundreds of occupations, including the nature of work, working conditions, necessary training and education, earnings, and job outlook. The ...

AMPP Celebrates International Women in Engineering Day

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — On June 23, 2024, the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) will celebrate International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), marking an annual global tribute to women in the engineering field. This year, AMPP is launching a dual social media initiative to celebrate women's dynamic impact in materials engineering, corrosion control, and protective coatings. The campaign will feature personal insights from AMPP’s women members about their professional journeys and the unique perspectives they bring to their specialties. Concurrently, AMPP will spotlight historical women engineers who have broken ...

Master Painters Institute Launches Innovative MPI Decision Tree™ Tools to Revolutionize Coatings Specifications

New Digital Interactive Guide Simplifies Coatings System Selection for Industry Professionals Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Master Painters Institute (MPI), a subsidiary of the Association of Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), has announced the launch of the MPI Decision Tree™ tools. This digital platform is designed to transform the way industry professionals specify coatings for new construction and restoration projects. The MPI Decision Tree™ tools are an interactive guide that helps users identify the most appropriate coating systems and recommend products suited to their specific commercial and architectural needs. ...

Driving Change: AMPP Advocacy Day 2024 Shapes Industry's Future Through Strategic Policy Engagement and Global Collaboration

Washington, D.C. — Earlier this month, Washington, D.C., was abuzz with energy and purpose as more than 50 industry leaders from across the country convened for the highly anticipated AMPP Advocacy Day. This day-and-a-half event, organized by the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), brought together stakeholders from various sectors within the industry to advocate for critical legislative issues and shape the future of the materials protection and performance field. Day One: Orientation and Opening Reception The event kicked off with an orientation at the Courtyard Marriott Navy Yard, where participants gathered for informative sessions ...

AMPP Advocacy Day 2024: Championing Corrosion Control on Capitol Hill

Washington, D.C. — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, is set to host its annual Advocacy Day on May 15-16, 2024, in Washington, D.C. This premier event marks a significant opportunity for professionals in the corrosion control and protective coatings industry to influence legislation and promote sustainable practices within critical infrastructure sectors. This year’s AMPP Advocacy Day is particularly noteworthy as it will spotlight the organization’s legislative agenda, which focuses on advancing major U.S. legislation, including the Bridge Corrosion Prevention and ...

Eugene B. Caldona, Ph.D., Wins AMPP’s Prestigious 2024 Dr. A. John Sedriks Seed Grant Award

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, recently announced Eugene B. Caldona, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials at North Dakota State University, as the distinguished recipient of the 2024 Dr. A. John Sedriks Seed Grant. Dr. Caldona's groundbreaking proposal, "Surface-Functionalized Ground Tire Rubber Additives for Isotropically Adhesive and Cohesive Dielectric Fluoropolymer Protective Coatings," embodies the innovative spirit and research excellence the grant seeks to support. ...

AMPP Leads Worldwide Social Media Blitz for World Corrosion Awareness Day

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — On April 24, 2024, communities worldwide will rally to combat corrosion during the "Corrosion Around the Clock" social media campaign in recognition of World Corrosion Awareness Day. Led by the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) in partnership with the World Corrosion Organization and the European Federation of Corrosion, this campaign will harness the power of global unity. The initiative will feature a series of synchronized LinkedIn posts released at 08:00 UTC in each time zone. These posts, filled with insights from AMPP chapters, partner organizations, and global members, aim to highlight ...

AMPP Launches French-Language Basic Coatings Inspector Certification and Ethics eCourse

Montreal, Quebec — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, announces the launch of its Basic Coatings Inspector Certification (CIP Level 1) and the Ethics for the Corrosion Professional eCourse in French. This initiative, a first for AMPP, caters to French-speaking professionals in the corrosion and coatings industry and aligns with recent regulatory demands. The first French-language CIP Level 1 course is currently underway in Montreal. This course provides in-depth training through lectures, group exercises, practical labs, and real-life inspection projects. Participants ...

AMPP Unveils New Guide to Enhance Pipeline Safety Through Corrosion Control, Aligning with Latest PHMSA Regulations

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, recently published "Guide 21569-2024, Guidance on Implementing Corrosion Control Methodologies to Align with New PHMSA Regulatory Procedures," a comprehensive document developed by Standards Committee SC 15 - Pipelines and Tanks, aimed at bolstering the safety and integrity of onshore gas transmission pipelines. In response to the United States’ Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)'s revised Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations, AMPP's ...

AMPP 2024: Triumph, Innovation, and Solidarity Define the Annual Conference + Expo in New Orleans

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The 2024 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo not only marked a year of significant achievements and milestones for the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) but also showcased the unyielding spirit and solidarity of its community in the face of unexpected challenges, as nearly 6,000 attendees from the corrosion and coatings industries descended on New Orleans, Louisiana, from around the world from March 3-7, 2024. Amid the celebration of its 100th chapter announcement and the unveiling of a new, inclusive membership model, the conference encountered a significant weather-related obstacle: a substantial ...

AMPP Celebrates Milestone with Formation of Its 100th Chapter

Australia Designated as Landmark 100 th Chapter in Global Expansion New Orleans, Louisiana — Recently, the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, proudly announced the formation of its 100th chapter. This milestone marks the organization’s global expansion and commitment to connecting professionals across the materials protection and performance community. This historic moment took place during the AMPP Annual Conference and Expo in New Orleans, which has gathered nearly 6,000 attendees from around the world. The Membership Program Committee approved the creation of three ...

AMPP Signs Joint Standards Development Agreement with National Insulation Association

New Orleans, Louisiana – The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) and the National Insulation Association (NIA) have formalized a partnership with the signing of a Joint Standards Development Agreement by AMPP CEO Alan Thomas and NIA's Executive Vice President and CEO Michele Jones at the AMPP Annual Conference and Expo, aiming to establish a unified mechanical insulation standards program. "On behalf of the AMPP community and its leaders, I am thrilled to express our gratitude as we initiate this collaborative journey with the National Insulation Association," said Kristin Leonard, AMPP Global Center Chair. "This partnership marks a ...

PPG Foundation Supports Future Innovators with Donation to AMPP's EMERG Programs

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, is thrilled to announce a generous donation from the PPG Foundation for the EMERG Programs to support students in the coatings industry. This contribution will support the expansion and development of several EMERG programs designed to foster education and innovation in coatings and corrosion. Among these initiatives are academic scholarships, the provision of Corrosion Toolkits (cKits™), and the organization of a mini-camp for high school students at the AMPP Annual Conference + Expo in ...

Corrosion and Coatings PAC Hosts Exclusive Breakfast Event with Congressman Troy Carter at AMPP Annual Conference and Expo

New Orleans, Louisiana — The Corrosion and Coatings Political Action Committee (PAC) announced its upcoming breakfast event featuring esteemed guest speaker Rep. Troy Carter, Sr. (D-L.A.). This event is scheduled for 7 a.m. on Monday, March 4, 2024, in the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Room R01, as part of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) Annual Conference and Expo. It aims to gather industry professionals, policymakers, and enthusiasts to further the conversation around corrosion prevention and coatings policies. “The Corrosion and Coatings PAC is dedicated to advancing policies that promote corrosion prevention, ...

Introducing the MPI Decision Tree Tools

MPI is launching its newest solutions to streamline the process of specifying coatings. The MPI Decision Tree Tools offers a digital interactive guide that prompts users to select the most suitable coatings system and products for their commercial and architectural projects, whether for new construction or restorative/repair works. These tools are designed to encompass all project variables and significantly reduce the manual effort needed to meet and select the appropriate coatings system. Why use the MPI Decision Tree™ Tools? Save money – Streamlines product selection to quickly identify the right options for your project, minimizing the risk of ...

AMPP Announces Winners of the 3rd Annual Diversity and Inclusion Grants

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, unveiled the recipients of its 3rd Annual Diversity and Inclusion Grants. These grants, a cornerstone of AMPP's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the corrosion and coatings industry, aim to support members of historically excluded and intentionally marginalized populations. This year's grant program, part of AMPP's innovative EMERG initiative, underscores the organization's dedication to engaging, magnetizing, educating, raising, and guiding the next generation of industry ...

AMPP Champions Leadership and Inclusion at 2024 Annual Conference + Expo with Valuing Voices Forum

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is set to enrich its members with insightful events dedicated to equipping leaders and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. The breakfast and forum are part of the AMPP Annual Conference and Expo, scheduled for March 3 – 7, 2024, in New Orleans, Louisiana. “Our mission is to build an inclusive community of excellence where every voice is valued,” said Kailey Dharam of Dairyland, co-chair of the event. “The AMPP Valuing Voices Forum provides an opportunity for AMPP members to learn about topics like the importance of diversity ...

AMPP Welcomes New Board Member to Strengthen Its Commitment to the Transportation Sector

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, announces the addition of Todd Bennett to its Board of Directors. His appointment, effective immediately, marks a significant milestone in AMPP’s efforts to enhance its engagement with the transportation sector. The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, welcomes Todd Bennett to its Board of Directors. Effective immediately, this non-voting position runs through December 2024. Bennett's addition signifies ...

AMPP Announces Appointment of New Chief Financial Officer

Houston, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, has announced Jennifer Colunga as its new chief financial officer. With more than 20 years of progressive experience in finance and operations management, Colunga brings a wealth of expertise to lead AMPP's financial strategy and drive the company's continued growth. At AMPP, Colunga will be a key thought partner to the organization’s chief executive officer (CEO) and executive leadership team. In this capacity, she will have oversight of every facet of AMPP's financial management. Colunga's ...

Second Anniversary of Fern Hollow Bridge Collapse Highlights Urgent Need for Corrosion Control in National Infrastructure

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — Sunday, January 28, 2024, marks the second anniversary of the tragic Fern Hollow bridge collapse near Frick Park in Pittsburgh. This tragedy brought to light the significant vulnerabilities in America's infrastructure, with a particular focus on the critical issue of corrosion. The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, is at the forefront of establishing standards and training to enhance infrastructure maintenance. A key part of AMPP's mission involves advocating for important legislation, such as the Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act, sponsored ...